Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains

Overview

Funding for interdisciplinary research projects that develop strategies to balance bioeconomy growth, nature markets, food security, climate, and biodiversity objectives. Targets consortia of farmers, researchers, businesses, and policymakers to create sustainable value chains and evidence-based policy recommendations.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, universities, SMEs, public bodies, farmers, farm accountants, and businesses) from eligible countries. Proposals must implement a multi-actor approach, ensuring balanced participation from stakeholders with complementary expertise.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €10,000,000 per project
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Total budget: Not specified

What Is Funded

• Development of natural capital accounting methods to integrate economics and nature into agricultural decision-making.
• Analysis and creation of innovative business models and value chains for farmers to diversify income beyond food/feed production, including assessments of sustainability, profitability, and circular bioeconomy integration.
• Research on biomass residues, secondary streams, and underutilized land to optimize resource use.
• Interdisciplinary studies (economic, social, biodiversity, climate) assessing impacts on:

- Farmers’ income, decision-making, and natural capital management. - Biomass supply/demand and market price thresholds. - Land-use conflicts, food security risks (availability, accessibility, utilization, stability), and leakage effects.

• Policy recommendations to align bioeconomy, climate, and biodiversity goals while safeguarding food security and ensuring fair farmer incomes.
• Collaboration with other projects under this topic (e.g., joint workshops, dissemination).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (validation in lab to relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-16
• Deadline: 2026-09-16

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to Horizon Europe’s lump sum funding model and include a detailed budget table.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate synergies with ongoing Horizon Europe, LIFE, and other EU-funded projects.
• Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines must be effectively integrated.
• Multi-actor approach is mandatory, requiring active involvement of farmers, researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Projects must include a collaboration plan for joint activities with other selected projects under this topic.
• Focus on trade-offs between bioeconomy, climate, biodiversity, and food security, with actionable policy and business model recommendations.